As the EU finds itself in geopolitically more turbulent times, its economic and trade policies become more strategic, focused on resilience and diversification rather than short-term financial benefit.
China is getting more assertive in defending its interests using economic coercion, while the US is trying to stunt China’s rise and remain the preeminent power even at the cost of global trade rules.
The EU, a long-time champion of free trade, finds itself in a tough spot. On the one hand, it wants to remain a strong ally of the US. On the other hand, there are substantial economic interests in keeping good economic ties with China.
Similarly to the EU, countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia would also like to maintain good relations with the US and simultaneously uphold the global trade rules that have been battered in the fight between China and the US.
In a series of articles, Euractiv will look at the policies the EU and other global players are undertaking to protect themselves and benefit from the changing economic landscape.
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COP28 commitments will require improvements to the solar supply chain
Est. 9minEurope has relied immensely on Chinese production for its solar growth, and analysts are warning that maintaining this reliance will make all renewable targets subject to the whims of Beijing.
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Trump, Tariffs, and the Future of the Transatlantic Relationship
Est. 5minFor several weeks now, Brussels has been in unrest when it comes to the presidential elections in the United States. Lennart Nientit is a Programme Officer at Friedrich Naumann Foundation European Dialogue. These are steadily approaching, and according to the latest polls, …
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EU countries want to continue using green tech from China
Est. 6minConcerned that excluding Chinese manufacturers of solar panels and other green technologies could slow down the energy transition and raise costs, EU countries on Thursday (7 December) agreed to continue allowing Chinese products for most subsidy programmes for renewable energy.
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South Korea’s ‘US for security, China for economy’ strategy no longer working
Est. 5minAs the EU is struggling to balance its economic and security interests amid US-China tensions, South Korea faces similar challenges in a much more accentuated way, requiring the country to take extraordinary care in devising its economic security strategy.
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The Power Game of the Decade
Est. 8minEurope currently still has substantial windows of opportunity to kill two birds with one stone and diversify its energy supply towards a more sustainable future, whilst also strengthening its independence through newly globalised energy partnerships. But truth be told: the …
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Australia wants more from the EU in exchange for its minerals
Est. 7minNegotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the EU and Australia are stalling as Australia wants to leverage its wealth in critical raw materials to get more access for its meat and sugar industry.
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Japan’s economic security awakening
Est. 6minAs the EU Commission is preparing its own economic security strategy, Japan has started to implement its own economic security policies, walking the increasingly tense tightrope between China and the US.